Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum To Open Dolly Parton Exhibit

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will spotlight the life and legacy of one of country music’s most celebrated figures in its upcoming exhibition “Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker,” opening May 20 and running through September 2026.

The exhibition will trace Parton’s extraordinary career across more than six decades, highlighting pivotal moments where she defied expectations, overcame setbacks and forged her own path to become a global icon. From her rural Tennessee upbringing to her trailblazing success as a singer, songwriter, actor, businesswoman and philanthropist, the exhibit will explore how Parton’s resilience and creative vision helped shape her singular journey.

“Being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame was one of the greatest moments of my life, and being able to have a personal exhibit for the fans that put me there is a very big deal to me,” shares Parton. “This seeker is very proud and honored, and I hope you enjoy my journey. I will always love you.”

“After accomplishing enough for three lifetimes, Dolly Parton continues to astound and amaze us with her boundless talent, her vivacious wit and her tremendous generosity,” says Kyle Young, Chief Executive Officer of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Like all great artists, Parton has demonstrated consistently that she can transform adversity and setbacks into works of stunning beauty and insight into the human condition.”

Artifacts on display will include handwritten lyrics, stagewear, instruments, awards, photographs and rare interview footage. Highlights include the first draft of her classic hit “Jolene,” a custom Gibson five-string banjo adorned with rhinestones and butterflies used during her 2002 “Halos & Horns Tour,” and the cowgirl outfit she wore in the 1980 film 9 to 5. Visitors will also see her Kennedy Center Honors medallion from 2006, among other personal and career-defining items.

The exhibit delves into formative stories from Parton’s life, including her determined Opry debut at age 13, when she secured a last-minute performance slot by persuading Jimmy C. Newman to give up his. It also explores her bold personal style, which she embraced despite pushback from early industry gatekeepers who feared her appearance might overshadow her talent.

Timed tickets for “Journey of a Seeker” are included with museum admission, and advance reservations are recommended due to anticipated demand. More information is available on the museum’s website.

In addition to the exhibit, the museum will host supporting programming throughout its run, including public events and family-oriented arts and crafts activities. A special display dedicated to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and its global literacy mission will be featured in the museum’s Taylor Swift Education Center.

A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Parton’s honors also include inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with receiving the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors. Her influence continues to inspire generations through her music, philanthropy and unmistakable spirit.

LB Cantrell
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